Are you noticing differences in your toddler’s development? You may be wondering what they mean.
Every child develops at their own pace. However, it is common for parents to notice that their child may be developing differently from other children their age and wonder what these differences mean. With so much information available online, it can be tempting to search for answers. However, searching for answers online can create more questions than answers, leaving parents to feel overwhelmed.
Understanding some of the early signs of autism can help parents know what to look for, when to seek guidance, and how to support their child.
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive behaviours and interests that impact a child’s development and everyday functioning (Abualait et al., 2024; Budisteanu et al., 2022). Autism is a spectrum because it looks different from one child to the next. While some children may show noticeable differences as toddlers, others may not be diagnosed until later in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
Early Signs Parents May Notice
Early signs of autism involve several areas of development. It is important to remember that NO SINGLE behaviour means that a child has autism. So, rather than looking for a specific sign, see if there are patterns in how your child communicates, connects with others, plays, and interacts with the world around them.
Having Some of the Signs Doesn’t Mean Autism
It is important to remember that having some of the above signs does not mean that your child has autism. Many behaviours listed above that are associated with autism can also occur in children who are developing typically. You know your child best. If something concerns you, it is okay to ask questions. At ABC Solutions, we can help you understand what you are seeing and determine whether an assessment may be helpful. Seeking support does not mean your child will get a diagnosis, rather it is a step towards understanding how to support your child. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, contact our team to learn more about how we can help.
References
Abualait, T., Alabbad, M., Kaleem, I., Imran, H., Khan, H., Kiyani, M. M., & Bashir, S. (2024). Autism spectrum disorder in children: early signs and therapeutic interventions. Children, 11(11), 1311. https://doi.org/10.3390/children11111311
Budisteanu, M., Linca, F., Andrei, L. E., Mateescu, L., Glangher, A., Ioana, D., ... & Rad, F. (2022). Recognition of early warning signs and symptoms-the first steps on the road to Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. Ann Ist Super Sanita, 58(3), 183-91. https://doi.org/10.4415/ANN_22_03_07
